Convicted rapist mistakenly released from Seattle-area jail

Detectives in King County, Washington, are searching for 49-year-old Noel Stepney, a convicted rapist with a criminal history stretching back to 1991, after he was mistakenly released from jail in July on bail.

According to Fox 13, Stepney was convicted of second-degree rape for assaulting a woman inside her Seattle apartment. The incident occurred after the woman, believing Stepney was a fellow tenant, asked him for help carrying a heavy television into her unit. Once inside, he attacked her, putting his hand over her mouth, pinned her against a wall, and raped her. He threatened to hurt her and kill her dog if she told anyone.

The woman reported the assault to Seattle police, and DNA evidence collected by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab later linked Stepney to the crime. He was convicted by a jury, but due to a breakdown in court procedure, he was allowed to post bail and walk free, even though state law prohibits release between conviction and sentencing in second-degree rape cases.

According to a statement from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to the outlet, “In this case, after King County prosecutors secured a conviction, he was not remanded into custody. Defense counsel did not raise the requirement, nor did the case prosecutor present an order."

As such, the defendant’s pre-trial bail previously set by the Courts remained in place. He posted bond on that $75,000 amount, and as soon as prosecutors were notified, they made a motion for a bench warrant, which was signed, and police are working to track him down.

Stepney now faces a minimum sentence of 159 months, over 13 years, in prison, with the final term to be determined at sentencing. He has a lengthy criminal record dating back more than three decades and was reportedly under investigation for two other sexual assault cases at the time of his 2023 arrest.

Law enforcement is calling on the public to assist in locating Stepney and if he is spotted, call 911 immediately. Authorities stress that he is dangerous and should not be approached. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound using the P3 Tips App or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.